Fluid Balance & Homeostasis
This body system is the primary regulator of fluid and electrolyte balance.
What are the kidneys?
A patient with dehydration or hemorrhage may show increased heart rate and orthostatic hypotension due to this imbalance.
What is hypovolemia?
Normal saline (0.9%) and Lactated Ringer’s are examples of this type of solution.
What are isotonic solutions?
Swelling, coolness, and pain at the IV site indicate this complication.
What is infiltration?
This IV type is used for short-term therapy and ends before entering central circulation.
What is a peripheral IV catheter?
This hormone causes water retention in the kidneys.
What is antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?
A patient with edema, crackles, and JVD likely has this fluid imbalance.
What is hypervolemia?
This solution moves water into cells and is used for cellular dehydration.
What is hypotonic (0.45% NaCl)?
Redness, warmth, and a palpable cord along the vein are signs of this issue.
What is phlebitis?
This long-term access device has a subcutaneous port accessed with a Huber needle.
What is an implanted port (port-a-cath)?
About two-thirds of total body water is located in this fluid compartment.
What is the intracellular fluid (ICF)?
Never give this electrolyte as an IV push, as it can cause cardiac arrest.
What is potassium (K⁺)?
This type of solution pulls water out of cells into the extracellular space.
What is hypertonic solution (e.g., 3% NaCl)?
Sudden dyspnea, chest pain, and confusion after IV manipulation indicate this emergency.
What is an air embolism?
During a central line dressing change, this must be maintained at all times.
What is a sterile field?
This principle maintains stable body function by balancing fluid intake and output.
What is homeostasis?
Positive Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs indicate this electrolyte imbalance.
What is hypocalcemia?
These solutions, such as albumin and blood products, increase colloid osmotic pressure.
What are colloids?
This complication presents with fever, chills, and possible sepsis related to the catheter.
What is a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI)?
When air embolism is suspected, place the client in this position and call for help.
What is left lateral Trendelenburg?
This process moves water between compartments from low to high solute concentration.
What is osmosis?
Lethargy, hypotension, and respiratory depression are signs of this electrolyte imbalance.
What is hypermagnesemia?
This hypertonic nutrition solution requires a central line for safe administration.
What is total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?
Dyspnea, crackles, and increased BP from excessive IV fluids indicate this condition.
What is fluid overload (pulmonary edema)?
The correct steps for IV priming include spiking the bag, priming the tubing, and checking for these.
What are air bubbles?